Middle Pennsylvania District meets on theme, 'An Obedient Life.'

The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 22-23 at Dunnings Creek Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Pa., with Sarah Malone as moderator. Fifty churches were represented with 168 delegates and 79 non-delegates.

Malone spoke on the theme, "An Obedient Life...of Transforming Love," and the Dunnings Creek choir presented a medley of several musical numbers at the opening worship. Rodney Ritchey created the logo for the worship center. Saturday's worship was led by the District Youth Ministry Team and included a consecration of new team members. A Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $6,357.09 and $1,445 was collected for Ministry Education.

In business sessions, delegates approved a revised constitution that reflected changes in the district structure. Break-out sessions featured the Living Peace Church with On Earth Peace, and the District Gifts Assessment Team. A slate for district leadership was affirmed, including Barbara Rowe as moderator-designate. She will assist moderator Linda Banaszak at the Oct. 7-8, 2005, district conference at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. James Ake was affirmed for another year as treasurer. District minister Randy Yoder, who is retiring at the end of the year, was honored for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.

Many conference-goers took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Mock Church located "just down the road." The small, one-room log building was the original meeting place for the Dunnings Creek congregation. Clair Mock, 99 years old and a member of the congregation, was recognized for building handmade models of the Old Mock Church, one of which is located in the District Center in Huntingdon and one at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline