District Conference Announcements: July 2016

This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song: Looking Ahead to District Conference

Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Moderator

During the twenty years I have called the Northern Plains District home, attendance at District Conference has been in a gradual decline. I hope many who have not been to District Conference in recent years and/or who have never been to District Conference, will attend all or part of the “Big Meeting” this year to help us celebrate 150 years of continuous ministry in the upper Midwest. While there is business we must attend to during to worshipful work sessions on Saturday, just as Annual Conference seeks to “unite, strengthen, and equip” the denomination, the District Conference Planning Committee seeks to “unite, strengthen, and equip” the members of our district for continued ministry.  To that end, worship, workshops, exhibits, opportunities for fellowship, and an auction to support the ongoing ministry of the district are also integral parts of District Conference. Come share the experience with your brothers and sisters from across the district, August 5-7, 2016 at the West Des Moines Christian Church. Registration materials are now available at nplains.org/dc. It is imperative that anyone planning to join us for a meal register and order meal tickets so we can plan accordingly.

Schedule

Friday, August 5, 2016

10:00 a.m.–Noon Executive Committee Meeting

Noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch for Board (served by Ankeny and Stover)

1:00-3:00 p.m. District Board Meeting

3:00-6:45 p.m. Registration/Auction Check-in

3:30-5:00 p.m. Ministers and District Board Gathering

5:00-6:30 p.m. Evening Meal (catered)

6:30-8:15 p.m. Nursery/Preschool Child Care

6:30-7:00 p.m. Gathering Music/Milestones in Ministry and Congregational Life/

TRIM Graduation – Randy Johnson

7:00-8:15 p.m. Worship (Rhonda Pittman Gingrich Preaching)

8:30-9:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social (hosted by district youth)/Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, August 6, 2016

7:00-8:00 a.m. Nurture Commission Breakfast

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Registration/Auction Check-in

8:00 a.m.-Noon Nursery/Preschool Child Care/Children’s Activities/Youth Activities

8:00-10:15 a.m. Worshipful Work

10:30-11:45 a.m. Workshops (3)

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch (prepared and served by WDMCC/Choir Rehearsal

Noon-12:45 p.m. Young Adult Gathering (over lunch)

1:00-3:30 p.m. Nursery/Preschool Child Care/Children’s Activities/Youth Activities

1:00-3:30 p.m. Worshipful Work

3:30-3:45 p.m. Passing the Gavel/Consecration of New Leadership

4:00-6:30 p.m. Auction (or 15 minutes after conclusion of Worshipful Work Session)

5:00-6:30 p.m. Supper (during auction)

6:40-8:30 p.m. Nursery/Preschool Child Care

6:40-7:00 p.m. Gathering Music

7:00-8:30 p.m. Festival of Song and Story

8:30-9:30 p.m. Anniversary Cake and Celebration

Sunday, August 7, 2016

8:00-11:30 a.m. Nursery/Preschool Child Care

8:00-9:15 a.m. Workshops (3)

9:15-9:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal

10:00-11:15 a.m. Closing Worship (Jeff Carter Preaching/Joint service w/ WDMCC)

11:30-1:00 p.m. District Board Reorganization (over a meal of leftovers)

Workshops – Saturday, August 6, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

“Can I Get a Witness”   Jeff Carter

For Brethren, being a witness is more than simple recitation of a faith statement. Our formation as a people of God grounds us in a tradition that gives us clear insight into how we are to live and witness to our faith in Jesus Christ by word and deed. Such a witness is not dependent upon a creed or statement of belief, rather a formation that inspires our hearts, souls, and minds to respond to the call of God in ways that are authentic to who we are as disciples.

  Bio- Jeff is President of Bethany Theological Seminary, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to his appointment as President, Jeff served as a pastor in the Church of the Brethren for 20 years, is a former Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Washington Office, and has participated in numerous denominational programs and served on committees. He is former representative to the World Council of Churches and in 2011 was nominated by Sen. Jim Webb (VA) to be Guest Chaplain to the US Senate.  

“Music and Worship”   Carol Elmore

Is it important what music we sing in worship?  I say “YES!”  We teach much of our theology through the hymns and songs we sing in worship!  Let’s talk about what else might be important…style? balance? instruments? who chooses the music?  who leads?  Do we have to change music styles in order to gain the younger folks?  Is it okay to leave behind a generation, to gain a new generation? Come, and let’s talk…and sing!

  Bio – Carol Elmore has served as Minister of Nurture and Music at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, VA since 2004, and has directed the adult choir for an additional 10 years.  She and Mike have been married for 26+ years and enjoy camping, and following their kids’ sports, concerts, etc.  Her favorite job is “mom” to Landon (new graduate of Bridgewater College) and Kate (just completed her freshman year at Bridgewater College).  Carol, herself graduated from Bridgewater in 1987.  She was honored to coordinate and direct the music for Annual Conference in 2013 (Charlotte, NC) and in 2015 (Tampa, FL).  Church music is a passion of hers.  She appreciates the opportunity to be here this weekend!  

“Finding the Balance Sheet”  Jan Fahs

Church budgets are a necessary tool for congregations. As a church treasurer, how can you help build and track your church budget to make sure good accounting practices are being implemented and followed? Learn how to stay on top of your budget and explain it effectively to your congregation.

  Bio –  Jan is a long-time member and current church treasurer of the Manchester Church of the Brethren. Jan has been a Certified Public Accountant in Indiana since 1996, co-owner of Fahs Brown Plumbing, owner of Fahs Brown Financial Services, and Associate Professor of Accounting at Manchester University from 1996-2007.

Workshops – Saturday, August 7, 8:00-9:15 a.m.

“Living Together in Times of Change and Conflict”  Jordan Bles

Change and conflict has never been far from the life of the Church of the Brethren. This has perhaps never been more true than in the time leading up to, and through, the 2016 Annual Conference. On Earth Peace is committed to working for justice and reconciliation in the midst of conflict. Conflict is messy and uncomfortable at best and painful at worst, but it is the only way to get from brokenness to peace. Come learn more about how we can walk this journey together, and what it looks like to live in relationship in the midst of the conflict around us.

  Bio- Jordan Bles is currently chair of the board for On Earth Peace. He is also a    

Community Engagement Specialist for Church World Service based in Des Moines, IA. Previously, he has served the Church of the Brethren and National Council of Churches in their Washington, DC offices. He is married to Robyn Bles, Associate Minister at West Des Moines Christian Church.

“Nigeria Crisis Update”     Carl and Roxane Hill

Church of the Brethren has a long history of involvement in Nigeria. We will briefly review that history along with an overview of the problems encountered by our sister church Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN). We will outline our response to the Nigeria Crisis and focus on what we are during in support for the people of Nigeria in 2016.

    Bio – Carl and Roxane Hill are the Co-Directors for Nigeria Crisis Response. They are both McPherson College graduates. They have been married for 38 years and are the parents of three grown children and six grandchildren. Through their 2 years teaching at Kulp Bible College, they came to love the Nigerian people. News of the destruction to the EYN (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria) area (where they lived) has touched them deeply. They feel privileged to serve Church of the Brethren in their role as ambassadors between Nigeria and America.

“Meeting the Needs of our Neighbors ”   Michelle Leonard

How does one synchronize the call of pastoral ministry and the call to serve as a police chief in a local community? How does each call blend themselves to a response to the District’s “Sending of the Seventy” emphasis on meeting the needs of our neighbors? I believe they synchronize very well. Come and let’s have a conversation that relates to this.
  Bio – Michelle Leonard was called to the ministry in 2014 and is currently serving as the Pastor of the Panora Church of the Brethren. She has served 23 years in law enforcement and is currently the Police Chief of Dallas Center. She is married and they have 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Her husband is also in law enforcement.