Southern Plains holds 39th District Conference.

The 39th District Conference of the Southern Plains District was held July 28-30 at Big Creek Church of the Brethren in Cushing, Okla. Moderator Dean Stump presided. A total of 20 delegates were seated, an increase from 16 last year.

Pre-conference highlights were a pastor's training event led by Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy, focusing on "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" by Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima. Ronald Beachley, moderator of Annual Conference, brought a compelling message at the conference opening worship Thursday evening. Shively brought three very challenging messages during conference as the main speaker.

District Board reports and actions included recognition of the Redevelopment Grant of $1,500 awarded to Family Faith Fellowship in Enid, Okla.; a decision to officially close the Enid Community Church of the Brethren; availability of the Growing Faithful Disciples resources to the churches; viewing the Outreach Packet video and distribution to the churches; and a decision to participate in the Together Conversations on Being the Church process. The board also learned that ordination reviews are near completion.

The Nurture Witness Commission voted to send a team from Falfurias to the Cross Cultural meeting. The commission also is working on a scrapbook of pictures to "put faces to the wonderful volunteers" involved in all the Nurture/Witness activities.

In other business the conference body received with appreciation a joint video report from the Annual Conference agencies, followed by brief reports from the two agencies assigned to report to the district this year. Bethany Theological Seminary with Shively highlighted the "Pilgrimage of Faith, A Future with Hope" l00th anniversary celebration; On Earth Peace with Bob Gross highlighted the work of the Ministry of Reconciliation. The annual auction benefitting Spring Lake Camp and Retreat Center brought $4467!!

The District Conference for 2006 will be at Roanoke (La.) Church of the Brethren. The conference elected Jack Graves as moderator and Jim Kelly as moderator-elect for 2006. Jackie Balmer is the Standing Committee delegate. George Brooks was elected to serve as board chair in a reorganization meeting.

"There is a special quality to our conference that is perhaps not found elsewhere," reported A. Joan Lowry, district executive minister. "Our special thanks to the Big Creek church for the hospitality and wonderful food, all the good humor, and deep love of the Lord that is always present."

Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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