ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014: 1) Revision to Ministerial Leadership polity is adopted by Annual Conference.
2) Revision of 1996 Ethics for Congregations paper is approved by the delegates. 3) Query on Climate Change is returned, Conference declares the church is not of one mind on the issue. 4) Resolution supports Nigerian Brethren, invites worldwide community of Brethren to a week of fasting and prayer. 5) Delegates maintain current structure of Mission and Ministry Board; defer to 2015 other decisions on board bylaws, BBT articles, agency financial reports. 6) Andy Murray chosen as moderator-elect, among other election results and appointments. 7) Rebecca Dali interviewed by Columbus’ NBC4, leads insight sessions on Nigeria. 8) Three new fellowships are welcomed into the denomination. 9) Standing Committee denies support to On Earth Peace ‘Statement of Inclusion’ but commits to ‘walk in love together.’ 10) Mission and Ministry Board hears update on Nigeria, discusses finances, celebrates Open Roof Award and Ministry Summer Service. 11) Annual Conference bits and pieces
Annual Conference
The Day in Columbus – Sunday
An overview of the closing day of the 2014 Annual Conference
Resolution Supports Nigerian Brethren, Invites Worldwide Community of Brethren to a Week of Fasting and Prayer
Annual Conference delegates voted Saturday in favor of a resolution indicating solidarity with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The resolution comes as the Nigerian Brethren endure turmoil in their country.
Query on Climate Change Is Returned, Conference Declares the Church Is Not of One Mind on the Issue
The response to the query on Guidance for Responding to the Changing of Earth’s Climate was defeated in a close vote, and the query was returned to the district and congregation where it originated. The response had been formulated by staff of the Office of Public Witness working with a study committee appointed by that office.
Delegates Maintain Current Structure of Mission and Ministry Board; Defer to 2015 Other Decisions on Board Bylaws, BBT Articles, Agency Financial Reports
This year’s recommendation by the Mission and Ministry Board responding to a query about equitable representation on the board, was adopted. The content of the recommendation was unusually simple–to maintain the current structure of the Mission and Ministry Board with no changes to how members are chosen.
The Day in Columbus – Saturday
An overview of the day at Annual Conference in Columbus on July 5, 2014
Intergenerational Activities Invite All Ages to Live as Courageous Disciples
From toddlers to grandparents, participants of all ages enjoyed the energy of Saturday night’s hands-on activities, co-sponsored by the Annual Conference Programs and Arrangements Committee and the Outdoor Ministries Association.
The Day in Columbus – Friday
From Philippians “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12b-13). Quotable quotes “In addition to now being out of debt, we have now accrued a back up reserve of $350,000.
Revision to Ministerial Leadership Polity Is Adopted by Annual Conference
The revision to Ministerial Leadership Polity today was adopted by Annual Conference, gaining the two-thirds majority vote it needed. With its adoption, several changes will be taking effect in January 2015.
Learning to Wash Feet Is Theme of Brethren Journal Association Luncheon
“Brethren have adopted the language of just doing things,” said Joshua Brockway at the annual meeting of the Brethren Journal Association. “We have emphasized obedience, especially with regards to our ordinances.”