W. Pennsylvania District challenges members to be salt and light.

Western Pennsylvania District held its 141st annual District Conference at Smith Hall/Ferguson Theater on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Greensburg, Pa., on Oct. 27. Moderator Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., challenged the approximately 226 participants with the theme "You Are the Salt of the Earth...You Are the Light of the World."

Worship and music were interspersed throughout the business of the day. Insight sessions were held in the morning. The subjects included an overview of the work of two agencies of the denomination--the General Board and Brethren Benefit Trust, a presentation about the mission work of the denomination's Sudan Initiative, and a presentation about the work of Camp Harmony, the district's camp facility.

A highlight of the conference was an auction of three hours of district minister Ronald Beachley's time. This was done to encourage attendance at the district's second annual auction that took place on Nov. 3. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief, to send a van load to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

In business session, the budget of $189,259 for 2008 was adopted by 194 delegates representing 53 congregations of the district, which has its office near Jerome. The district is comprised of 69 churches and one fellowship, with a membership of over 9,500.

Robert R. Stein of Chalk Hill was installed as moderator of the district for the next year. William A. Waugh of Greensburg was named moderator-designate. Twelve people were called to the district leadership team: David A. Baker, AnnaBelle Coleman, Janice Kaltenbaugh, Linda L. Reininger, Patti Shaulis, Larry E. Walker, Mildred Z. Hartzell, Phillip A. King, Homer H. Marshall, Guy L. Myers, Shirley Baker, and Gary N. Weaver. Myrna P. Baer was called as district delegate to Standing Committee. Charles B. Statler was named to the Board of Trustees for the Brethren Home Community Windber, Pa. Called to the board of directors of Camp Harmony located near Hooversville, Pa., were John E. Eash, Linda L. Reininger, and Patti Shaulis. Two people were called to serve on the district's gifts discernment team: Bertha Hironimus and Patricia M. Marshall.

--Suzanne Moss is secretary for Western Pennsylvania District.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra