Welcome to Annual Conference registration

Attend conference all day Thursday

Attend conference all day Friday

Attend conference all day Saturday

Attend conference all day Thursday

Attend conference all day Friday

Attend conference all day Saturday

Children and Youth are free but must be registered.

Attend conference all day Thursday

Attend conference all day Friday

Attend conference all day Saturday

Attend conference all day Thursday

Attend conference all day Friday

Attend conference all day Saturday

Children and Youth are free but must be registered.

Registration fee increases to $225 after June 11.

Registration fee increases to $50.00 after June 11.

Gather in a common location with your congregation, retirement home, college, or agency and watch Annual Conference business, equipping sessions or the Friends with the Weather concert. Up to 10 participants. Each additional participant will be charged at $50 per person following conference.

Your booklet will NOT be mailed to you. Pick it up on-site at the registration kiosk.

Your booklet will be mailed to you. Choose this option if you want your booklet before Annual Conference.

A PDF will be emailed to you prior to Annual Conference. Choose this option if you would only like your booklet electronically. 

Order this packet to sing in the Annual Conference choir. The four anthem packet will be mailed to you in advance.

A DVD Wrap-up with the highlights of Annual Conference. DVD will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the Wrap-up with highlights of Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A 2-DVD set containing the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. DVD's will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park. The charter bus will leave the convention center at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back around 11:45 a.m. The bus trip takes only about 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the property. Your purchase includes the bus trip and gardens entrance fee. Tickets are limited and will be available for purchase at conference only if they do not sell out in advance.Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park. The charter bus will leave the convention center at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back around 11:45 a.m. The trip takes about 10 minutes. Your purchase includes the bus trip and gardens entrance fee. Tickets are limited and will only be available for purchase at conference if they aren’t sold out in advance. For Non-Delegates only.

A printed conference booklet will be mailed to all delegates at no charge. However, if you would rather have the booklet as a PDF with bookmarks, we'll be happy to email one to you instead of a printed booklet. Please check the box.

Order this packet to sing in the Annual Conference choir. The four anthem packet will be mailed to you in advance.

A DVD Wrap-up with the highlights of Annual Conference. DVD will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the Wrap-up with highlights of Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A 2-DVD set containing the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. DVD's will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

Your booklet will be mailed to you. Choose this option if you want your booklet before Annual Conference.

A PDF will be emailed to you prior to Annual Conference. Choose this option if you would only like your booklet electronically. 

A DVD Wrap-up with the highlights of Annual Conference. DVD will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the Wrap-up with highlights of Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A 2-DVD set containing the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. DVD's will be mailed to the address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

A Digital version of the 5 sermons delivered at the 2024 Annual Conference. A link to download the file will be EMAILED to the email address listed on the registration following Annual Conference.

Please check the box if you'd like to receive information about volunteering at Annual Conference.

Join other conference goers on Saturday, July 6 to build beds with the organization "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" (www.shpbeds.org), one of our Witness to the Host City projects. The project will be set up in a section of the Exhibit Hall. For ages 12 years and older, children and youth must be accompanied by an adult. You can choose to serve from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. or from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

I would like to be assigned to sit with a Non-Delegate table group. I understand that by checking the box I agree to attend all six of the business sessions: morning and afternoon on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Please check the box if you'd like information to sign up and donate blood.

The Annual Conference Office provides a roommate search option as a courtesy to those who want to find a roommate for their stay at Annual Conference. The names and contact information of persons who choose to be included will be placed on a list which will be sent to everyone on it (men’s names to men, women’s names to women). The Annual Conference Office will not choose or put roommates together. It will be the responsibility of those on the list to contact one another, agree with someone as their roommate, and make the hotel reservation. Disclaimer: This is a service of convenience for those attending the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Neither the Annual Conference Office nor the Church of the Brethren can be responsible for the conduct, behavior, or outcome of those choosing to room with someone else from the list.

Check the box to be included in the Roommate Search List.

For those who are ages 18-35 years old. Check the box if you'd like to receive information about Young Adult Activities. Contact Carol at cfike@dekalbcentral.net for more information. All activities are pay as you go and will be published in the Annual Conference Book. 

Please check the box if you'd like to receive information about volunteering at Annual Conference.

Join other conference goers on Saturday, July 6 to build beds with the organization "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" (www.shpbeds.org), one of our Witness to the Host City projects. The project will be set up in a section of the Exhibit Hall. Delegates can participate in Build #1 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Please check the box if you'd like information to sign up and donate blood.

The Annual Conference Office provides a roommate search option as a courtesy to those who want to find a roommate for their stay at Annual Conference. The names and contact information of persons who choose to be included will be placed on a list which will be sent to everyone on it (men’s names to men, women’s names to women). The Annual Conference Office will not choose or put roommates together. It will be the responsibility of those on the list to contact one another, agree with someone to share a room, and make the hotel reservation. Disclaimer: This is a service of convenience for those attending the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Neither the Annual Conference Office nor the Church of the Brethren can be responsible for the conduct, behavior, or outcome of those choosing to room with someone else from the list.

Check the box to be included in the Roommate Search List.

For those who are ages 18-35 years old. Check the box if you'd like to receive information about Young Adult Activities.

*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation 

*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Brethren World Mission

*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by McPherson College Office of Alumni

*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation 

All Wednesday evening through Sunday morning sessions

8:15 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. | 1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Story: The Good Shepherd shares and loves (Lk 15:3-7)
• Exploration: Magnifiers
• Creative response: Sheep mask

8:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

• Story: Jesus welcomes the children (Mt 19:13-15)
• Exploration: Magnets
• Creative response: Create name using marker dots or sticky dots

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Story: Jesus welcomes the children (Mt 19:13-15)
• Exploration: Magnets
• Creative response: Create name using marker dots or sticky dots

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Story: Jesus welcomes the children (Mt 19:13-15)
• Exploration: Magnets
• Creative response: Create name using marker dots or sticky dots

8:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

• Story: Friends bring paralyzed man to Jesus (Lk 17-26)
• Exploration: Gears
• Creative response: Paper friends with varied skin tones

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Story: Friends bring paralyzed man to Jesus (Lk 17-26)
• Exploration: Gears
• Creative response: Paper friends with varied skin tones

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Story: Friends bring paralyzed man to Jesus (Lk 17-26)
• Exploration: Gears
• Creative response: Paper friends with varied skin tones

8:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

• Story: A boy shares his lunch (Mt 14:13-21)
• Exploration: Balance scales
• Creative response: Friendship paper chains

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Story: A boy shares his lunch (Mt 14:13-21)
• Exploration: Balance scales
• Creative response: Friendship paper chains

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Story: A boy shares his lunch (Mt 14:13-21)
• Exploration: Balance scales
• Creative response: Friendship paper chains

8:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

• Story: Jesus visits Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10)
• Exploration: Ooblek
• Creative response: Collage of friends or simplified God’s eye

All Thursday, Friday and Saturday sessions. 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Children’s Story Scripture: Luke 1:46-49
• Creative Play Stations
• Crafts: Make Conference T-shirt and Water Bottle
• Visit from New Community Project
• God’s Eye Craft and Lesson

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Children’s Story Scripture: Romans 12:3-10
• Study Trip to Children’s Museum
• Creative Play Stations
• Craft: Kindness Rocks
• Glow Day Activities

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Children’s Story Scripture: Acts 2: 42-47
• Outdoor Fellowship Games
• Share Kindness Rocks Around Convention Center
• Creative Play Stations
• Michael Stern “God Made You and Me” Presentation
• Create Thankful Jenga

All Thursday, Friday and Saturday sessions. 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Ice Breaker Games
• Make Posters based on Bible Lesson
• Games in the Park
• Craft: Service Project Blankets

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Craft: Service Project Blankets
• Make Cards for Church Members or Each other based on Bible Lesson
• Walk to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to Share Blankets

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

• Make Personal Journey Boards based on Bible Lesson
• Walk to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

All evening and daily sessions, Wednesday through Saturday. 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Welcome / Set the Stage
• Get to Know You Games & Activities

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Visit from On Earth Peace
• Bus Trip to TreeRunner Adventure Park Ropes Course – Brethren Colleges Sponsoring Lunch
• Games/Downtime/Snack
• Evening: Tailgating Games & Board Games

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Visit from New Community Project
• Create Worthy Rocks
• Walk to Grand Rapids Public Museum
• Games/Downtime/Snack
• Evening: Minute to Win It

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Service Projects Around Grand Rapids
• Visit from Brethren Volunteer Service
• Games/Downtime/Snack
• Evening: Friends with the Weather Concert 

All evening and daily sessions, Wednesday through Saturday. 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Get to know you activities

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Bible Study related to AC theme
• Craig’s Cruisers fun day with go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, bumper cars, zip line, and more!
• Evening activities

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Bible Study related to AC theme
• Service projects located around downtown Grand Rapids
• Afternoon swimming and other recreation
• Evening activities

8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Bible Study related to AC theme
• Visits from Brethren ministries staff
• Walk to the Grand Rapids Public Museum
• Evening wrap-up

Welcome and Worthy

Preacher: Madalyn Metzger

Primary scripture: Romans 16:1-4 (CEB)  

We are called to live and experience our faith as a community, in service to and with each other and God. But to fully and equitably ful?ll this call, we must recognize the in?nite worth and the divine in one another.

Known and Loved by God

Preacher: Greg Broyles

Primary scripture: Luke 1:46-49 (NIV)

We are known and loved by God. Rather than let our doubts of worthiness (whether self-in?icted or signaled by others), we must speak this reality to ourselves and each other.

Belonging to One Another

Preacher: Brandon Grady

Primary scripture: Romans 12:3-10

As a faith community, we belong to one another. God calls us to love and value each other, just as God loves and values us.

Extending Mutual Care

Preacher: Leonard Dow

Primary scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Following Christ means tending to our relationships and being present in mutual care – helping each other to reveal the wholeness God intends for us.

Nurturing Dignity and Wholeness

Preacher: Cindy Laprade Lattimer

Primary scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

We are called, through Christ’s work, to nurture the dignity and wholeness of all people by practicing and promoting peace and justice across God’s creation.

Tentative Agenda

• Consecration of Delegates
• Introductions and Instructions
• Group Building
• Presentation of the Ballot
• UB 2: Breaking Down Barriers Report
• Logos Presentation

Tentative Agenda

• Election
• Standing Committee Subcommittee Reports
• Bethany Theological Seminary Report
• NB 5 – Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Updating Polity for Bethany Theological Seminary
• Celebration of 300th Anniversary of Germantown CoB

Tentative Agenda

• UB 1 - Standing With People of Color Report
• On Earth Peace Report
• NB 6 – Proposed Update of Polity Re: On Earth Peace

Tentative Agenda

• UB 3 – Calling Denominational Leadership
• NB 1 – Mandate for the 2025-2027 Review and Evaluation Committee
• NB 2 – Recommendation Concerning Tenure of the 2025 Review and Evaluation Committee
• CoB Mission and Ministry Board Report

Tentative Agenda

• NB 4 – Query: A New Model of Denominational Structure
• Program and Arrangements Committee Report
• Ecumenical Reports
• Eder Financial Report
• Memorial Tribute

Tentative Agenda

• Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee Report
• NB 7 - PC&BAC COLA Recommendation
• NB 3 – PC&BAC Revisions to Pastor’s Housing Fund
• AACB Presentation
• Passing the Gavel

Presenter: Richard Kyermaten

Focus: On December 25, 1723, the earliest members of the Schwarzenau Brethren movement held the first Brethren adult baptisms in North America. The Germantown Church of the Brethren spent 2023 celebrating this monumental anniversary that signifies the beginning of this historic congregation. But what’s next for the “mother church”? What might that say about what is next for the denomination? A panel of Germantown Church of the Brethren members and friends will explore the future at the “mother church”, including urban ministry, intercultural ministry, as well as being the keepers of a rich Schwarzenau Brethren history.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Shawn Flory Replogle

Presenter: Connie Burkholder

Focus: Jeremiah 1:4-10, 2 Samuel 9:1-10a

Agency/District: Program and Arrangements Committee

Representative: Rhonda Pittman Gingrich

Presenter: Jan Orndorff

Focus: Matthew 5:1-16 (CEB), Revelation 7:9-10

Agency/District: Program and Arrangements Committee

Representative: Rhonda Pittman Gingrich

Presenters: Roger Schrock, Fletcher Farrar and Gordon Hoffert

Focus: The Church of the Brethren has had work in “New” Sudan for 40-plus years. We all need to know the situation so we will know how to pray for our sisters and brothers there.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Gordon Hoffert

Presenters: Alvis Prettker, Audri Svay, Caleb Kragt

Focus: We’re often eager to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus, or to practice our faith with “both heart and hands”. What does it mean to love God with all our mind? Panelists Alvis Prettker, Audri Svay, and Caleb Kragt will address that topic from several angles: how we as pastors or church leaders cultivate the life of the mind in our congregations with Christian education and otherwise; how we as individuals practice love of God with our minds engaged through academic study, reading or writing literature in a variety of forms, prayer and meditation, and beyond; and how our witness as followers of Christ to our broader society is affected by tending to the life of our minds as Christians (or the neglect thereof).

Agency/District: Bethany Theological Seminary and Brethren Journal Association

Representative: Lori Current

Presenter: Nevin Dulabaum

Focus: Join Nevin Dulabaum on this pictorial tour of the places that are part of our Brethren heritage, from Europe to the United States. Learn about the social factors that helped lead to the formation of the Brethren movement, and see some of the hundreds of pictures Nevin has taken of the places that were important to the early Brethren and how those same images inspired the new brand of Eder Financial.

Agency/District: Eder Financial

Representative: Michelle Kilbourne

Presenter: Liz Ullery Swenson

Focus: “There’s a huge difference between “all are welcome” and “this was created with you in mind.” – Dr. Crystal Jones It is a great achievement for a congregation to engage in the discernment and theological work to become an open and affirming congregation, one that welcomes the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church. Joining the Supportive Communities Network (SCN) is a meaningful act of public witness. But once the statement is crafted and the banner has been hung, what’s next? The language we use in worship, the theology we preach, the lyrics in the songs we sing, and the words we use to pray matter. Liz Ullery Swenson and SCN leaders will help us explore ways to take the next step in embodying God’s expansive diversity.

Agency/District: On Earth Peace and Supportive Communities Network

Representative: Annabeth Roeschley

Presenters: Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey and Janet Ober-Lambert

Focus: We all know intuitively that something has fractured in our world. Having authentic conversations and deep relationships with others has become increasingly difficult. Whether caused by political polarization, time apart during the pandemic, the move toward online communication, or other dividing forces, the separation we are experiencing is a threat to the work and mission of the church. In this equipping session, we will explore some of Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey’s Doctor of Ministry work and the ongoing work of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, in partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary’s “Building Bridges” initiative, to help ministers know how to provide leadership during such fractured times. We will explore some of the reasons for our fractured world, why it is so concerning in the church, and how we might work to build bridges in our own congregations.

Agency/District: Bethany Theological Seminary

Representative: Lori Current

Presenters: Rhonda Baker, Clara West McGilly and Matt Guynn

Focus: On Earth Peace is in the process of training 1000 Church of the Brethren people in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation, as a way for us to propel our historic peace commitments into a powerful present and prepare for an unknown future. Kingian Nonviolence is agape love in action, providing a theological and values-rooted discipline for Christians to engage in constructive conflict and to address issues of division, violence, and injustice. This session offers participants a snapshot of key elements of Kingian Nonviolence, grounded in stories from individuals, congregations, and districts that have participated in training in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. Participants will learn how to move forward in training or leadership development in their congregations or districts.

Agency/District: On Earth Peace

Representative: Matt Guynn

Presenter: Founa Augustin Badet

Focus: Our focus will be on increasing awareness of the biases we all have when it comes to our own culture and that of others. The function will be to learn about our own blind spots so we can more effectively and lovingly interact with people from outside our own cultural context.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Founa Augustin Badet

Presenters: Chris Elliott and Expert Bukene

Focus: As the Church of the Brethren expands globally, there is a growing demand for contextual training for pastors and other church leaders, particularly in Africa. How are we (the US church) engaged in this process? What are some of the joys and pitfalls?

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Chris Elliott

Presenters: Joan Daggett and Shana Boshart

Focus: In 2023, Shine Curriculum received a five-year grant to help churches, parents, and caregivers share their faith and values with their children. Our project, Shine Everywhere, gives us the opportunity to create a community of families and churches who discover and practice the everywhere habits that grow faith in our children. Join us to learn more about Shine Everywhere and how you and your church can become involved. Take home some practical faith-building activities and practices you can share with your church and family!

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Jeff Lennard

Presenter: Dan Ulrich

Focus: How might the virtues of Jesus inform the political choices we make as his followers? In this equipping session, we will explore Matthew’s answer to that question, focusing on several virtues Jesus prioritizes in his interpretations of scripture. They include humility, integrity, justice, mercy, and love.

Agency/District: Bethany Theological Seminary

Representative: Lori Current

Presenter: Deb Oskin

Focus: Do W-2s and 1099s confuse you? What’s the difference between an employee and an independent contractor—and why does it matter? Finally figure out what your minister’s designated housing exclusion is all about! You’ll learn how to use that designated housing exclusion, employee pension contributions, and health insurance to lower your minister’s taxable income, and the importance of setting up an accountable reimbursement plan for your minister’s business expenses. Finally, Deb will share a few tips on how to double check the W-2 to make sure it was prepared correctly. Handouts will be available for download at OskinTax.com/Presentations

Agency/District: Eder Financial

Representative: Michelle Kilbourne

Presenter: Gene Hollenberg

Focus: Across the denomination, churches and districts have supported and sustained the camping ministry with their donations of time, money, and experience. But it doesn’t have to be a one-way street. Church of the Brethren camps have been responding to the needs of congregations in many areas: leading Vacation Bible School on the church site, providing pulpit supply for congregations, creating activities for communities surrounding the local church, and assisting with leadership training. In this session, Gene Hollenberg, Executive Director at Camp Mack and representatives of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren will share a model for beginning, developing, and increasing capacity for church/camp partnerships. With time for brainstorming and leadership support, participants should walk away with ideas of how the ministries of the church AND the camp can grow. This session will be beneficial for both church and district leaders.

Agency/District: Outdoor Ministries Association

Representative: Ben Bear

Presenters: Callie Swanlund and Richard Wehrle

Focus: Luke 5:15-16 tells us, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus made rest and renewal a priority in his ministry, and pastors who are currently serving congregations should also take time for practices of rest and renewal. In this session we will discuss the book, From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout, with author Callie Swanlund. This session will equip pastors and lay leaders with practices that will sustain pastors as they lead in their ministry settings. The Rev. Callie Swanlund is a retreat leader, spiritual companion/ministry coach, and writer who helps others know their belovedness and find their Spark. She leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Her film, How2charist: Digital Instructed Eucharist, has reached Christians and curious individuals around the world. She lives with her partner and two children in Philadelphia.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Richard Wehrle

Presenters: Jenn Dorsch-Messler and Carolyn Neher

Focus: Join Brethren Disaster Ministries staff in exploring why intergenerational service is important and vital to your church community and each individual no matter their age. Participants will explore types of opportunities for intergenerational service and how connections can be made with those being served and among the group that is serving. The session will conclude with a small service project to be completed by participants of all ages while getting to know each other.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Representative: Jenn Dorsch-Messler

By invitation only.

Palabras de apertura del Secretario General, David Steele; La Moderadora de la Conferencia Anual de 2024, Madalyn Metzger; El Director Ejecutivo de la Formación de Discipulado y Liderazgo, Nate Polzin. Terminaremos con una sesión de preguntas y respuestas dirigida por la Directora de Ministerios Interculturales, Founa Augustin Badet. La Banda, “Bittersweet Gospel”, brindará música a abrir y cerrar nuestra reunión. Opening remarks by General Secretary David Steele; 2024 Annual Conference Moderator, Madalyn Metzger; Discipleship & Leadership Formation Executive Director Nate Polzin. We will finish with a Question and Answer session led by Director of Intercultural Ministries, Founa Augustin Badet. The Bittersweet Gospel Band will provide gospel music to open and close our gathering.

Open to all, this time of conversation is an opportunity to meet with international guests and others with interest and connections to global mission. Conversations will be organized by region (Latin America, Africa, etc.) and/or country (India, etc.) Light refreshments will be served.

Agency/District: Church of the Brethren

Presenter: Becky Baile Crouse

Today’s Spiritual Care Department faces an increasingly weary workforce and complex patient dynamics. Supporting physicians and nurses reeling from compassion fatigue alongside diverse patients and families with layers of grief, trauma and inequities requires highly trained chaplains. Today’s chaplains need to be adept at intervening as allies to combat systemic racism and provide resources for renewal. Bridging the divide between religious and cultural views and finding common ground for all are vital for respect and inclusion. Many chaplains themselves experienced tremendous change and challenge throughout the pandemic. What will the new normal be as we move into these uncharted waters in healthcare? What are our strategies and creative ideas to continue to mentor, hire, and train chaplains for this calling? Join us to reflect on the ministry of chaplaincy in 2024.

Join Bethany President Jeff Carter at the coffeehouse stage area for a Q&A session to learn about updates around campus and enjoy a cupcake to celebrate Bethany’s 30th anniversary in Richmond, Indiana.

Presenter: Anitra Krauss

Genealogical History Restored in an Abandoned Graveyard

The first Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Indiana had been neglected and fallen into disrepair. In trying to restore the graveyard, many Genealogical facts were uncovered and history was preserved. Come find out what was discovered and why these efforts are important.

An opportunity for everyone, but especially first-time delegates and those who have not attended Conference recently, to meet with the moderator-elect, secretary, and the director of Annual Conference Office to learn the ropes and ask about this year’s logistics.

By invitation only.