{"id":27250,"date":"2026-06-05T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=27250"},"modified":"2026-06-06T20:58:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T20:58:20","slug":"special-annual-conference-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2026\/special-annual-conference-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Annual Conference events are offered in Fort Wayne this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The 2026 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is offering a number of special events and opportunities this summer in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Conference takes place June 28-July 2 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Find full details at www.brethren.org\/ac2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memorial Tribute moves to the Prayer Room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For decades, Eder Financial\/BBT has offered a meaningful moment during a business session to remember the church leaders (pastors and spouses, agency staff and board members, among others) who passed away since the last Annual Conference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In place of that Memorial Tribute, this year the Prayer Room will host a dedicated space to remember those who have passed since the 2025 Annual Conference. You are invited to place a photo in the bowl provided or write the name of a loved one on a slip of paper. You may include any words or memories you feel led to share.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Immigration Prayer Vigil<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday, June 30, at 4:45 p.m., the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, Intercultural Ministries, and Brethren Disaster Ministries are hosting a vigil to pray for church members who fear deportation, those impacted by changes in immigration policy and enforcement, and all seeking refuge and asylum. \u201cJoin us for prayer, song, and personal reflections,\u201d said an invitation. To join in the prayer vigil, meet outside the convention center\u2019s Jefferson Blvd. doors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gun Violence Prevention Vigil<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Monday, June 29, at 4:45 p.m., the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is hosting a Gun Violence Prevention Vigil at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1105 Calhoun St., Fort Wayne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith gun violence in our country taking full focus again, we invite you to join fellow delegates, non-delegates, neighbors, and siblings from other faith communities here in Fort Wayne and beyond,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cWe will gather outside a local house of worship for words of reflection, messages of challenge and encouragement, and an impactful time of prayer. May we reflect in the moment and hope for our future together.\u201d The meeting point to join in the vigil will be at Hospitality Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A reminder from the Gun Violence Prevention Action Team that Monday is \u201cWear Your Orange T-shirt Day\u201d to witness against gun violence. Church of the Brethren gun violence t-shirts may be purchased at www.bonfire.com\/oep-gvp<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Embassy Theater Tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Conference-goers are invited to join a tour of the historic Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne, to learn about its history and enjoy a concert featuring the Grande Page Organ with its 1,000-plus pipes and special effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tour on Wednesday, July 1, at 12:30-1:30 p.m., will begin with a short walk across the street from the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Cost is a $10 donation to the theater. Registration is required as part of the Annual Conference registration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The description of the tour:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne is an outstanding gem which was saved from the wrecking ball in the early 1970s. Opened in 1928 as a movie and vaudeville theater it is on the Register of Historic Buildings. It was frequented by many famous people throughout the years and along with the attached Hotel Indiana, was a popular destination for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe building was saved by a small group who were especially attached to the Grande Page Organ, one of only four ever built. They formed the Embassy Foundation to save the organ, and in 1974 found themselves owning the entire building. Since then, the foundation has grown to include many people in the community who donated to save and restore both the theater and hotel. It has become a showplace for concerts, speakers, comedy, Broadway shows, weddings, and countless other events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stretch Breaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To encourage a bit of physical activity while also exploring downtown Fort Wayne, a series of bookmarks will be available to suggest walks past locations of interest. Sites will range from public art to historical sites to service projects near the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The bookmarks with maps and background information may be picked up from the Hospitality Area in the exhibit hall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Community Meals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Also in the Hospitality Area, Conferencegoers will be able to sign up to join a small group that will walk to a local restaurant on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, as a way to make new friends and explore nearby areas of Fort Wayne. Please sign up by 12 noon on the day of the meal so reservations can be confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second option to walk slightly farther will be offered for small groups to go to the Electric Works Union Street Market over lunch. A variety of vendors serve creative meals at the market. No reservations are required for that experience. Meet in the Hospitality Area at 11:45 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online Hospitality Room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInterested in connecting more with Annual Conference this year?\u201d said an invitation from Pacific Northwest District and Living Stream Church of the Brethren. \u201cDrop by the Online Hospitality Room! This Zoom meeting will be a place to relax, chat, ask questions, and meet others engaged around Annual Conference.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two host groups will staff the Online Hospitality Room during times outside of business and worship sessions, with other volunteers watching to welcome people to Conference online at other times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of special interest, each evening at 9:30-10:30 p.m. (Eastern time), the Online Hospitality Room will host a roundtable discussion about the highlights of the day’s events at Conference and looking ahead to the following day. Link to join: https:\/\/tiny.cc\/AChospitality<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Living Stream booth in the exhibit hall will be equipped with a large screen and camera for in-person attendees to greet virtual attendees, bridging the gap between the two groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— For more detailed information about the 2026 Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org\/ac2026<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find more Church of the Brethren news:<\/p>\n\n\n