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 .
Annual Conference
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.
Newsline for July 8, 2014
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
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