Western Plains District meeting invites, ‘Come and Walk with Jesus.’

The Western Plains District Conference convened July 27-29 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and McPherson College with the theme, “Come and Walk with Jesus.” Paintings by artist Connie Rhodes of Newton (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, lined the sanctuary and sidewalks leading to the church, illustrating the theme. Moderator David Smalley led the 260 attendees including 78 delegates from 33 of the district’s 40 congregations.

“The spirit of the conference reflected an appreciation of God’s movement in our midst,” said the conference report from the Western Plains District office. “The action-packed weekend included 11 workshop opportunities, youth and children’s activities, and an ice cream social hosted by the Cedars, following a presentation by the Youth Heritage Team.”

Inspirational worship services were led by moderator Smalley, who spoke for Friday evening worship, and Annual Conference moderator Jim Beckwith, who spoke on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Other speakers included Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, who addressed the minister and spouse dinner; and Paula Frantz, who spoke for the women’s breakfast.

Business items were interspersed with stories of transformation. The conference celebrated the life of Pueblo (Colo.) Fellowship and Navarre Church of the Brethren in Abilene, Kan., as the district brought official closure to their ministries. A Milestones in Ministry celebration acknowledged 65 years of ordained ministry for B. Wayne Crist, D. Eugene Lichty, and J. Jack Melhorn; 60 years for Duane L. Ramsey; 45 years for Robert L. Sifrit; 30 years for Donald E. Roberts; 25 years for Kenneth W. Davidson; 20 years for Joyce E. Petry and David L. Smalley; and 15 years for C. Bryan Harness.

Offerings received $10,000 for the district budget and $2,230 for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission. A Projects Unlimited auction raised $5,100 for various outreach ministries.

Source: 9/12/2007 Newsline