Southern Plains District meets about ‘Love and Little Things.’

The Southern Plains District Conference met July 27-29 on the theme, "Love and Little Things Mean a Lot." Moderator Jack Graves presided over the meeting that included 19 registered delegates from 13 congregations spread over Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana. The report of the conference was received from district executive minister Joan Lowry.

Theme speaker was Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. "This is going to be a great year in the life of this denomination," Lowry commented after hearing Mitchell speak.

Highlights of happenings around the district included the move of the district office, along with the Lowrys, to 1616 Rolling Stone Dr., Norman, OK, 73071. Thomas (Okla.) Church of the Brethren has been officially closed, and has been turned over to a small group called Family Faith Covenant. The church building in Waka, Texas, is up for sale. Lake Charles (La.) Community Church of the Brethren is beginning a pastoral search, and has paid off the church mortgage. The district’s Nurture/Witness group set dates for a Winter Rally and Board meeting for March 2-3, 2007 at Nocona. The Ministry Commission announced ordination candidates.

In addition, Spring Lake Camp and Retreat Center has a new look, Lowry reported. Since a fire in the spring, a new double cabin has been erected and a new cook’s cabin and handicapped accessible restroom. Lowry extended thanks to Ken and Kay Boyd and many volunteers who had helped the camp renovations near completion by the beginning of camping season.

In other events at the conference, a pastors’ training session was led by John Holderread on the book, "God's Original Intent for the Church." Other attendees enjoyed a session led by Kathy Reid of the Association of Brethren Caregivers on the subject, "How to Relate to People Who Are Hurting." The yearly auction topped off the event, along with "a little taste of Together conversations to wet our appetite for the session coming up Aug. 19-20," Lowry reported.

The next district conference is planned for July 26-27, 2007, at Clovis, N.M.

Source: 8/2/2006 Newsline
top