Registration begins for 2008 National Older Adult Conference.

Registration is now open for the ninth National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) to be held Sept. 1-5 at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly (go to www.brethren-caregivers.org). Sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), the week-long conference will provide adults age 50 and older with a time for inspiration, renewal, and community.

The conference theme of "Come to the Water" is based on Isaiah 41:18. Participants are invited to "come to the water" to remember those who have informed their faith and inspired their living, to be awakened to the needs of neighbors here and around the world, and to experience God’s redemptive hope, wondrous assurance, and abundant provision.

NOAC will begin with a worship celebration on Monday evening with Sandy Bosserman delivering the message. Preaching during Wednesday’s worship is Valerie Bridgeman Davis, and Friday morning’s closing worship will feature Frank Ramirez. Stephen Breck Reid will lead the morning Bible study.

The Tuesday morning keynote presenter will be Donald B. Kraybill, speaking about his book co-authored with Steve Nolt and David Weaver-Zercher, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Redeemed a Tragedy," the story of forgiveness following the schoolhouse shooting of 10 Amish girls in Nickel Mines, Pa., in 2006.

Jane Thibault, author of the book, "10 Gospel Promises for Later Life," will speak Wednesday morning exploring the "good news" of the Good News that brings hope to the challenges of later life. Thibault is a clinical gerontologist, a clinical professor at the School of Medicine and adjunct faculty in the School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, and a trained spiritual director as well as an author.

"Don’t Manage Your Stress--Rekindle Your Spirit" is the topic of Thursday morning’s presentation by Scott Sheperd, a speaker, counselor, musician, and author who uses a humorous thought-provoking approach to challenge audiences to accept responsibility for their own lives, and give strategies to improve the quality of life.

Special observances will commemorate the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination, the 50th reunion of the 1958 National Youth Conference held at Lake Junaluska, and the 60th anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service. A hymn sing featuring 300 years of music in the Church of the Brethren will be led by Nancy Faus-Mullen. An "informance" will be offered by the acoustic trio Trifolkal. A Well Walk will raise money to supply water for the secondary school at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The week also will feature Interest Group workshops and recreational activities.

Registration for the conference costs $150 per person, or $180 per person after July 18. Register online at www.brethren-caregivers.org, where there is complete conference information including schedule and housing information. The registration form also may be downloaded. The registration fee for the conference does not include meals or housing. The Lake Junaluska Housing department will begin to take requests for housing on April 1.

Contact ABC at 800-323-8039 for more information, to have a registration brochure sent to you, or for housing and registration forms on paper.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra