Annual Conference looks for stories about people taking Jesus seriously.

Stories related to the theme of the 2010 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, "Taking Jesus Seriously" (John 14:15), are sought for presentations during the conference next year on July 3-7 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

A letter from moderator Shawn Flory Replogle to district and congregational leaders in the Church of the Brethren has requested the submission of stories about people who have taken Jesus seriously, "as a way of challenging and inspiring us to consider the theme.

The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee is looking for stories that may represent a moment of selfless action or a lifetime’s commitment to a cause of the Gospel, and that may be about one person, a congregation, a district, an agency, or an organization. "We are interested in stories that span the diversity of our denomination: theologically, geographically, generationally, and more," Replogle wrote. "The aim is to include those stories of faith and testimony throughout our time together in Pittsburgh, celebrating God’s good work among us."

At the moment, the Program and Arrangements Committee is interested in receiving a brief synopsis of stories and contact information for follow-up. Send submissions by Nov. 9 to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or cdouglas@brethren.org.

The moderator also issued a general invitation to attend the 224th recorded Annual Conference, and to hold the conference in prayer. "This is the only gathering within the Church of the Brethren where everyone is invited to the table, regardless of age, theology, and geography," he wrote. "This is the place that members of the Church of the Brethren come to be the body of Christ, to be a part of a community of faith that is more powerful than we could be on our own. That body will not be the same without you.

"Please hold the ‘big meeting’ in your prayers," he added. He requested prayer for the workers and staff of the convention center and hotels and restaurants in Pittsburgh, the delegates to the Conference, the Annual Conference officers, and the volunteers and other attendees. For more information visit www.cobannualconference.org.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline