Delegates to Annual Conference on June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C., will consider several key documents for the Church of the Brethren, among nine items of business coming to the meeting. As at last year’s Conference, delegates will again be seated together at round tables.
Annual Conference
Big-Name Speakers to Headline Annual Conference in Charlotte
A riddle from Jon Kobel in the Conference Office: Stanley Hauerwas, Philip Yancey, Mark Yaconelli, John McCullough, Sharon Watkins, Ruthann Knechel Johansen, Devorah Lieberman, James Troha, Michael Schneider, Darla K. Deardorff. What do these nationally recognized theologians, authors, educators, and religious leaders all have in common? Answer: All are speaking at the 2013 Annual Conference.
Brethren Board Issues Resolution Against Drone Warfare
A Resolution Against Drone Warfare was issued by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board on March 11. Proposed by the denomination’s Peace Witness Ministry based in Washington, D.C., the resolution will be sent on to the 2013 Annual Conference for its consideration in early July. The resolution addresses the use of drones in warfare in the context of a reaffirmation of the Church of the Brethren’s longstanding assertion that “war is sin.”
Response on Equitable Board Representation Will Go to Annual Conference
A response to the query about equitable representation on the Mission Ministry Board, which came originally from Southern Pennsylvania District, will be on the business docket at the 2013 Conference. The board recommended changes to bylaws of the Church of the Brethren Inc., in a section governing the number and geographic balance of members of the board.
Beam and Steele Head up Annual Conference Ballot for 2013
The Standing Committee of district delegates has released a ballot for the 2013 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren. The Conference takes place June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C. Nominees are listed below, by position:
Committee to Study Ecumenism in the 21st Century
A study committee on “The Church of the Brethren and Ecumenism in the 21st Century” has been named. The group is to prepare a statement for Annual Conference giving vision and direction to the Church of the Brethren’s participation in the worldwide community of Christian communions.
Brethren Make Efforts to Support Nigerians in the Face of Violence
Several efforts to support and encourage Nigerian Brethren affected by violence are being made by American Brethren, responding to concern for Nigeria expressed during the Annual Conference in July and to news of continuing incidents of terrorist violence. A season of prayer for Nigeria has been announced by Annual Conference moderator Bob Krouse.
Committee Shares Hopes for Sunday of Renewal, Releases Logo for 2013 Annual Conference
A logo for the 2013 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, and more details about the schedule including a Sunday focused on spiritual renewal, have been released by the Program and Arrangements Committee. The 2013 Conference takes place June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C. The largest block of the committee’s meeting was spent “fleshing out the Sunday plans as a day of renewal,” reported Douglas. This is a new initiative of Program and Arrangements, following calls for an emphasis on spirituality at the annual meeting, along with a worshipful context for the carrying out of church business.
Brethren Press Publishes New Bible Study, DVD Resources
Brethren Press has published a number of new resources including the DVD “What Holds Brethren Together,” the 2012 Yearbook for the Church of the Brethren on CD, and the winter quarter of “A Guide for Biblical Studies” on the theme “Jesus Is Lord.” Also new and free to each congregation is a DVD of the Annual Report of Church of the Brethren ministries, videotaped at the 2012 Annual Conference. A shipping and handling fee will be added to the listed price. Order by calling 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com .
Planning for 2013 Annual Conference Includes a Sunday of Renewal
Following is initial planning for the 2013 Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on June 29-July 3. See below for information about the theme, leadership, location and facilities, fees, hotel costs, and a special day set aside for spiritual renewal. Additional information will be posted at www.brethren.org/ac as it becomes available.