Northern Indiana District fixes eyes on Jesus.

The 2005 Northern Indiana District Conference was held at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 16-17. Dan Petry served as moderator. The conference theme, "Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus," utilized the 2005 Annual Conference theme, reported district minister Herman Kauffmann.

Some 190 people were present for the Friday evening worship service led by moderator-elect Mike Kauffman and the worship team from Maple Grove Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Ind. Annual Conference moderator Ron Beachley was the guest speaker with a sermon titled, "What Do You See?" An offering of $1,265.45 was received for the Ministry Scholarship Fund.

Petry led Saturday morning worship and then shared a humorous roll call in the form of a letter utilizing the names of all district congregations. Throughout the day, delegates were provided glimpses of the congregations through projected pictures and paragraphs titled "Marvelous Ministries of Northern Indiana Churches Who Are Fixing Their Eyes on Jesus."

Insight sessions included "Meet the Annual Conference Moderator," "National Youth Conference and District Transportation," and "On Earth Peace--Practical Ways to Be a Living Peace Church." Twenty-five exhibitors shared displays with information for conference-goers.

In business sessions, delegates approved closure of Wakarusa (Ind.) Church of the Brethren by the end of the year and authorized the District Board to explore and implement future use of the Wakarusa building. Uses may include use for the district office or sale to another church group. The conference also authorized the District Board to sell the present district office if it decides to use the Wakarusa property, or to negotiate space in another congregation. The delegates also approved a bylaw amendment allowing the Personnel Committee to bring either a ballot or a slate to call district leadership. An amended district budget of $180,000 was approved for 2006.

Mike Kauffman was installed as moderator for 2005-06 and will serve the 2006 District Conference scheduled for Sept. 15-16 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. Other leaders elected were Tim Sollenberger Morphew, moderator-elect; Roger Haupert, District Conference clerk; Don Shankster, Program and Arrangements Committee; Ruthann Angle and Mark Riege, District Board; and Jan Nicodemus and Janet Kagarise, Personnel Committee. Appointees were approved to Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home Inc. in North Manchester, Ind.; Indiana camp boards; and the Manchester College Board of Trustees.

The District Board presented the "Volunteer of the Year" award to Brian and Miriam Hartman of Nappanee (Ind.) Church of the Brethren for their service as volunteer custodians at the district office.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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