Southern Plains District dedicates ‘Pop’s House’ at Falfurrias.

Photo by Brooke Holloway

A highlight of Southern Plains District Conference this year, hosted by Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren, was dedication of a newly renovated "Pop's House." This is the cottage in which the founders of the Brethren Volunteer Service project at Falfurrias lived in the early years of that project. One of the early ministers was K.O. Thralls. He was well loved in the community and soon became known as Pop Thralls to everyone.

Southern Plains met for its 45th District Conference at Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren on Aug. 2-4. The theme for the conference was "Do It God's Way." The theme scripture was Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Bob Krouse, Annual Conference moderator, was the keynote speaker. Other guests were Loyce Borgmann with Brethren Benefit Trust and Jay Wittmeyer with the Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service office.

Krouse led a workshop for pastors on Thursday morning about the church embracing the community and ways in which we can reach out to be a presence and witness in the communities where we live. The conference also was blessed with messages from Jim Kelly, pastor at Clovis, N.M., and Katie Carlin, a TRiM (Training in Ministry) student.

The highlight of the afternoon was the dedication of "Pop's House." This is the cottage in which the founders of the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) project at Falfurrias lived in the early years of that project. One of the early ministers was K.O. Thralls. He was well loved in the community and soon became known as Pop Thralls to everyone. Another family to occupy that house was Olin and Mary Mason. The district was honored to have some of the Thralls family at the event.

At the district conference last year, the delegates voted to provide materials to remodel the house, with the Falfurrias members doing the work. This work was done in one year. It is not only a charming house, but a true labor of love.

The Ministry Team interviewed Katie Carlin, of Monument, N.M., for licensing. The conference delegates approved. Lucinda Anderson conducted the Memorial Service. An auction was held to benefit the camping program. The delegates voted to sell the Thomas Church property.

Bob Krouse led in the closing worship service on Saturday morning, with the dedication of those who serve in the district for the new year.

-- This report was provided by the Southern Plains District.

Source:8/22/2012 Newsline