The following report from the annual convocation of Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT) originally appeared on the “God’s Politics Blog” at the Sojourners website Sojonet. Representing the Church of the Brethren at the CCT meeting were Annual Conference moderator David Steele, moderator-elect Andy Murray, and Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden, who serves as president of the Protestant “family” of churches in CCT.
Annual Conference
Opportunities at Tampa Conference Include Meaningful Worship, Florida Sights, and the Work of the Church
The Conference Office is highlighting a number of special opportunities on the schedule of the 2015 Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla., July 11-15, in addition to doing the work of the church together. Conference-goers this year may enjoy activities unique to Florida–such as outings to view dolphins in their natural habitat–as well as worship opportunities including a Sunday evening with the music of Ken Medema and the comedy and drama of Ted and Co.
Ballot is Announced for the 2015 Annual Conference
The ballot has been announced for the 2015 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to take place in Tampa, Fla., on July 11-15. The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates developed a slate of candidates, and the Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented to the delegate body in July.
General Registration and Hotel Reservations for Annual Conference 2015 Begin Soon
General registration and hotel reservations open online on Feb. 25 for the Church of the Brethren 2015 Annual Conference. The Conference takes place in Tampa, Fla., on July 11-15. General registration will be available at www.brethren.org/ac where online registration for delegates already has begun.
Ministers’ Association ‘Delving Deeply into Compassion’ at Pre-Conference Event
The Minister’s Association invites you to join them and Joyce Rupp in Tampa, Fla. Registration is up and running for the pre-Conference Meeting, “Delving Deeply into Compassion,” with Joyce Rupp.
Ecumenical Study Committee Shares Preliminary Work, Plans for Annual Conference 2015
The Annual Conference study committee on an Ecumenical Vision for the 21st Century met Aug. 27-28 in Seattle, Wash. With gorgeous weather and a stunning view of Mt. Rainier, the group was blessed to receive the hospitality of Columbia-Lakewood Community Church in Seattle, which is jointly affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and the United Church of Christ.
Speakers, Worship, and Music Leadership Announced for 2015 Annual Conference
The preachers and the worship and music leadership for next year’s Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has been announced by the Conference Office. The 2015 Conference will return to a Saturday-through-Wednesday schedule on July 11-15, in Tampa, Fla. Moderator David Steele will lead the Conference on the theme “Abide in My Love…and Bear Fruit” (John 15:9-17). Find his reflection on the theme at www.brethren.org/ac/2015/theme.html .
Many Brethren Commit to a Week of Prayer and Fasting for Nigeria
Many Church of the Brethren congregations, groups, and individuals are taking part in a week of prayer and fasting for Nigeria, from Sunday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 24. The denomination committed to the week of emphasis on Nigeria as part of a resolution adopted by the 2014 Annual Conference. Brethren are called to pray during a time of violence and suffering in Nigeria, in support of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Annual Conference Makes Changes to ‘Special Response’ Process for Strongly Controversial Issues
The 2014 Annual Conference approved revisions and amendments to the “Special Response” process for strongly controversial issues, during business sessions at the Church of the Brethren annual meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, on July 2-6.
Annual Conference Bits and Pieces
Bits and pieces of the action at the 2014 Annual Conference including statistics on attendance, the Witness to the Host City, BBT’s Fitness Challenge, honors and awards, 50th anniversary of “Middle Man,” and more.