Southern Pennsylvania District dinner informs about missions.

Three years ago, the Southern Pennsylvania District Witness Commission determined there was a need to help congregations become more aware of the numerous areas where the Church of the Brethren is in mission. As a result, the commission organized the First Annual District Missions Dinner.

This year marks the Third Annual District Missions Dinner. As May 5 approached (the date for the dinner), commission members were concerned that ticket sales were quite low. It seemed that graduations, other community events, and church events were going to affect attendance.

But on the Friday before the dinner, I breathed a sigh of relief, as ticket sales increased to 96. Although this number was about 200 below the previous two years, witness chair Ray Lehman and I were pleased that with those 96 people, the commission had an opportunity to teach about the work of the denomination in mission.

Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren hosted a lovely family-style dinner, with pastor Del Keeney as host. The Bermudian Men’s Group lifted praise to God through song, while the Dinner Planning Committee provided a backdrop of a display of items from different cultures.

Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, gave a presentation about where the Church of the Brethren is serving in mission, and some of the areas of concern in mission, such as cultural settings. He said that a prime concern is the church membership’s willingness to support missions launched for the long haul. Noffsinger fielded questions from the floor about being more evangelical in our outreach methods, and possibilities for planting churches.

An offering goal was set for $5,500, to benefit the Global Missions Partnerships of the General Board. A round of praise went up as the offering this year was announced: $5,353. To God be the glory for the faithful response of Southern Pennsylvania District Mission Dinner attendees!

--Georgia Markey is associate district executive minister for Southern Pennsylvania District.

Source: 06/06/2007 Newsline