Generations of ministers under the tutelage of Brethren historian Floyd Mallot remember how he would write the first and last year under which the earliest Brethren purportedly practiced celibacy, having found the warrant for it in their scripture study. Then, smack dab in the middle, he wrote the year that Alexander Mack Jr. was conceived, usually to general laughter as all reflected how hard it can be to practice what is preached.
Annual Conference
Revision of 1996 Ethics for Congregations Paper Is Approved by the Delegates
For the past few years Congregational Life Ministries staff member Joshua Brockway has been developing a revision of the 1996 Ethics for Congregations paper, as requested by the study committee initially appointed to answer the Query: Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper. Brockway is director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren. The final version of the polity came before the delegate body at this year’s Conference and was adopted.
Rebecca Dali Interviewed by Columbus’ NBC4, Leads Insight Sessions on Nigeria
Rebecca Dali was interviewed by Columbus’ NBC Channel 4. Reporter Ted Hart interviewed her just prior to a special insight session on Nigeria that Dali led over the lunch hour on Friday, July 4. She also presented an insight session on Nigeria the following Saturday evening.
The Day in Columbus – Thursday
A review of the day at Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio
Andy Murray Chosen as Moderator-Elect, Among Other Election Results and Appointments
Andy Murray has been chosen as moderator-elect of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, in an election of new denominational leadership. He will serve as moderator-elect for next year’s Annual Conference, and as moderator for the 2016 Conference. Also reported: other election results, and agency appointments that were confirmed by the Conference.
Three New Fellowships Are Welcomed into the Denomination
Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, led the welcome of three new fellowships into the denomination as one of the first items of Annual Conference business.
BRF Insight Session Looks at Courageous and Cowardly Discipleship
Thursday evening July 3 the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) hosted an insight session on July 3, titled “BRF Looks at Courageous and Cowardly Discipleship”–a topic directly connected to the Annual Conference theme “Live as Courageous Disciples.”
Hearing Offers a Chance to Discuss the Brethren Service Center
“We are talking about the facility, not the programs,” said Becky Ball-Miller, chair of the Mission and Ministry Board, addressing a packed room at a hearing about the disposition of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Sharing the dais with her were treasurer LeAnn Harnist, chair-elect Don Fitzkee, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
The Day in Columbus – Wednesday
An overview of the first day of the 2014 Annual Conference
Mission and Ministry Board Hears Update on Nigeria, Discusses Finances, Celebrates Open Roof Award and Ministry Summer Service
At their Annual Conference meeting on Wednesday, July 2, Mission and Ministry Board members got acquainted with international visitors and received an update from Global Mission and Service director Jay Wittmeyer on conditions facing Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). They also celebrated this year’s Open Roof Award to congregations that are making strides in welcoming people with disabilities, were briefed on the denomination’s financial status, and heard a report on the Ministry Summer Service program.