Mid-Atlantic District instructed in 'Christian Pestering.'

"A rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most-recognized and finest preacher/professors, Dr. Fred B. Craddock, made the 38th annual Mid-Atlantic District Conference one to remember," reported administrative staff Terri Meushaw. The conference was held Oct. 8-9 in Easton, Md. Marjorie "Pete" Fox was the onsite coordinator.

Pastors attended a pre-conference preaching workshop by Craddock. "Dr. Craddock's down-home style and humor created an atmosphere of comfort and Christian fellowship that seemed to endure throughout the entire conference," Meushaw reported. The conference opened with worship led by Craddock on "Christian Pestering," introducing the conference theme, "Provoke One Another to Love and Good Deeds." The conference banner by Alexis Bear featured a post-it note reminder of the theme. Eastern Shore musicians and worship leader Paul Mundey joined Craddock in the service. A coffeehouse sponsored by the Peace and Justice Committee rounded out the day.

A more contemporary worship service led by Jody Gunn opened Saturday's events. Clowns and musicians participated along with the district youth band "Awaiting," The General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Chris Douglas preached the sermon and spent the remaining conference time meeting with the youth.

Business sessions attended by 299 members representing 54 congregations were presided over by moderator Charlotte Bear, assisted by moderator-elect John Thompson and clerk Jeanne Laudermilch. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook brought an invitation to the Conference in Peoria, Ill., in 2005. Ministry Moments were presented by Brethren agencies. Ann Cornell gave a rendition of Shepherd Spring's Twelve Tidbits of 2004 Camping.

District executive Don Booz highlighted the medical insurance crisis for pastors, church extension plants, and the goal to grow faithful disciples. He tied the conference theme and Craddock's comments to his report, with the theory that church membership may be declining "because we have lost reason to pester one another towards stronger discipleship of Jesus," Meushaw said. Booz challenged the district to "Continue the work of Jesus...Pestering. Simply. Together."

In other business, delegates received reports from newly established ministry teams, passed a 2005 budget, tabled action on a 2003 Query about Annual District Financial Audits and referred it back for more study, and passed a query creating a task team to consider changing the date of District Conference.

The majority of leadership positions were filled by affirming a slate with Jeff Carter as moderator-elect; Jan Young as clerk; Karl Layton, Jane Adair-Seleski, Loyal Vanderveer, and Nancy Fitzgerald to the Leadership Team; Marilyn Kieffaber to the Program and Arrangements Committee; and Bob Schall to Standing Committee. New Outdoor Ministry Teams for each district camp were affirmed. Barbara Groff and Alan Smith were elected to the Leadership Calling Team.

"An open mike period found speakers inviting others to special events at their churches as well as enthusiastically pestering and provoking each other to make continued and conscious efforts to live as loving and committed disciples of Jesus. The general consensus seemed to be that the 38th MAD Conference had been a real success," Meushaw reported.

Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline