‘Being the Body of Christ’ is theme for Northern Ohio conference.

The theme for the 142nd Northern Ohio District Conference on July 28-30 was, “Being the Body of Christ.” Delegates and other district members gathered at Ashland University for worship, business, fellowship, and information sharing. Moderator Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville, Ohio, presided over business. Registration totaled 347.

Hamilton spoke for worship Sunday morning on the conference theme. Other preachers were Patrick Bailey, pastor at North Bend Church of the Brethren in Danville, Ohio, who challenged attendees to reaffirm the basics of their Christian faith as they minister in the Body of Christ; and Paul Bartholomew, pastor of Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, Ohio, whose message “Head Games” focused on Christ as the head of the body. Worship services also included praise teams from the Mohican church and from County Line Church of the Brethren in Harrod, Ohio. Offerings received in worship totaled $2,687.08.

A Junior Performing Arts musical, “We Are United,” was based on the theme, “One Body, Many Parts,” from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. A Senior Performing Arts musical, “Apex of Love,” was presented Sunday morning.

In business, delegates approved the disorganization of First Church of the Brethren in Canton, Ohio. Altar items from the Canton church were used for the conference worship center. Other business included approval of the 2007 district budget; approval to form a committee to oversee employment of a fundraising firm to assist with raising approximately $1.2 million for construction of a lodge at Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Burbank, Ohio; affirmation of Manchester College trustees; and election of district leadership. Doug Price, associate pastor at Dupont (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, was selected moderator-elect. Larry Bradley, pastor at Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, Ohio, will serve as moderator for 2007.

In other events, youth and advisors who had just returned from National Youth Conference treated the delegates to songs and a slide show of activities at the conference. The Ministry Commission recognized special anniversaries of 21 ordained ministers, ranging from one year of ministry to 63. Conference attendees also had opportunity to say farewell to Kyle McCord, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker who has spent the past year working on a district project on evangelism.

A silent auction raised $2,195.85 for the Peace Endowment Fund, which provides funding for the district’s peace and conciliation staff person. Linda Fry has accepted the call to this position beginning Sept. 1.

A collection for Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief received $2,741. All who gathered at the conference were invited to bring kits, and the Mission and Social Action Commission provided a truck with the challenge to “fill it up!” The final collection included 1,098 Gift of the Heart Health Kits, 403 School Kits, 27 Baby Kits, and 1 clean up bucket. A prayer of dedication for the kits was held during business. On Monday morning after the conference, district disaster coordinator Mort Curie drove the truck to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to deliver the kits.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top