Missouri and Arkansas District invited to 'Enter Into the Joy.'

Delegates from Missouri and Arkansas District met July 23-25 at Southwest Baptist University at Bolivar, Mo. A total of 117 were registered for the conference, representing all but one congregation in the district. Guests from ten agencies of the Church of the Brethren and ecumenical partners also attended. Moderator Cindy Sanders led the conference.

A fountain and a banner portraying the theme words, "Enter Into the Joy," provided the backdrop as people from each congregation brought vessels of water forward to add to a fountain. Included in the mix was water from San Juan, P.R., collected by Steve Crouse during a recent denominational senior high workcamp.

Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook preached for the conference, and he and his wife Pam sang in the choir, reported district minister Sandy Bosserman. "It is good when you can enjoy the preaching from the likes of Hardenbrook, Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger, to say nothing of the crooning of 'The Guys' quartet, in any given weekend," Bosserman said. The male quartet of high schoolers from Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill., performed at Annual Conference this year.

In addition to hearing from congregations and the district board, delegates called to leadership moderator-elect Don Brooks and board members Don Lucore, Jane Davis, Ida Mae Campbell, and Tim Rohrer. Delegates also appointed a task force to determine the longterm future of the district's Historical Archives, and discussed continuing education credits for ministers. The budget for 2005 was balanced with a pair of offerings and the silent auction of a quilt that brought $9,556. Bosserman called the district to "celebrate the much that we have learned to do with little in our congregations and our district life."

In another offering received during the conference, an "Ark" for Heifer International--which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year--was filled by a couple celebrating 60 years of ordained ministry. "Heifer International representative Cleo Kottwitz reported during his presentation to the district conference that he had hopes that Brethren in Missouri-Arkansas would someday fill an Ark," said Bosserman. "The Ark Project is the largest single gift that Heifer sponsors, at $5,000. Thanks to Ethmer and Kathryn Erisman, brother Kottwitz had his hopes realized on the spot." Ethmer Erisman said that the couple "filled the ark" in recognition of their membership in the district, in New Beginnings Church of the Brethren, Warrensburg, Mo., and in memory of Mineral Creek church, Leeton, Mo., where they served for 24 years.

The conference closed as the gavel was passed to moderator Gene Sappington, who announced a theme for 2005 built around preparing in this life for life eternal with God. "Gene, who works for the Social Security Administration, suggested we strive this year to be the 'Soul Security Administration,'" Bosserman said.

Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
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