Annual Conference bits and pieces.

• Attendance at the 2009 Annual Conference included a total of 2,077 people registered: 670 delegates from congregations and districts, and 1,407 nondelegates.
  
  
• The Conference Quilt Auction sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB) raised $6,275 for hunger relief.
  
  
• The Blood Drive sponsored by the Brethren Disaster Ministries succeeded in surpassing its daily goal of 50 units. The drive was conducted by the American Red Cross and took place on two days over the weekend, with 121 units collected (out of 141 people who presented).
  
  
• The annual BBT 5K Fitness Challenge was held on Sunday morning, June 28. The route took the 120 runners and walkers in a circuit around the Town and Country resort property. Results of the event: top male runner Jerry Crouse (18:34), top female runner Kelsi Beam (21:33), top male walker Don Shankster (30:10), top female walker Karen Crim (39.45).
  
  
• Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle, who is retiring following this Conference, was recognized at a reception on Sunday afternoon, June 28. He began his work with the 2003 Conference held in Boise, Idaho. Retirement plans include family time, golf, and travel--and a 2010 trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which is presented every 10 years.
  
  
• The Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren presented Caregiving Awards at a dinner on Saturday, June 27. The awards honor people and congregations for extraordinary service to others. This year's recipients included two couples, Dale and Beverly Minnich and Larry and Alice Petry. Paul Hoyt, Charles (Chuck) Cable, and Vernne Greiner also were honored.
  
  
• Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren received the annual "Open Roof Award" to a Brethren congregation or organization for improved accessibility and participation by persons with disabilities.
  
  
• Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., was honored by the Committee on Interchurch Relations for the congregation's relationship with Afghan families in Fort Wayne area, and its support of Afghan exchange students.
  
  
• Kay Guyer was the winner of the Annual Conference Theme Video Contest, with her winning creation titled, "Brethren We Have Met to Jump" (go to http://www.brethren.org/site/R?i=KIew7rUTnhYR-WuwZ5ceLQ. to view the video online). Guyer is a recent high school graduate who will attend Manchester College in the fall, and a member of the National Youth Cabinet. Some of her "Brethren jumping" photos also are featured in the Annual Conference photo album "Lighter Side of Conference". The contest was sponsored by Congregational Life Ministries program.
  
  
• The Womaen's Caucus offered free rainbow scarves to Annual Conference participants who wanted to express welcome to those of diverse sexual orientations. Many different volunteers knitted and crocheted the scarves from colorful yarn, along with hats, bracelets, bow ties, and other creations. Supporters were asked to wear the scarves throughout the Annual Conference.
  
  
• A two-page print Wrap-Up of the 2009 Annual Conference is available to download from www.brethren.org (link to come). The Wrap-Up video in DVD format, produced by David Sollenberger and sold through Brethren Press, is available for $29.95. The video offers a 25-minute look at the events of the Conference, plus bonus material. The Conference sermons in DVD format also are available, for $24.95. Order the DVDs from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712, a shipping and handling charge will be added.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline