Atlantic Northeast District focuses on 'PLAN' to bear fruit.

Atlantic Northeast District held its 2004 conference Oct. 8-9 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with the theme "PLAN to bear much fruit...PLAN to be a disciple," from John 15:7-8. Herbert High, of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as moderator and led delegates through conference business including approval of a slate of nominees, a 2005 budget of $709,835, and a variety of reports.

Speakers included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, who was the keynote speaker for the Friday evening worship service. The Spring Creek Praise Team opened the service with inspirational singing. James Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, brought greetings to the gathering and eight Nigerian brothers and sisters were welcomed and shared musical selections. On Saturday the youth of the district led worship.

Four congregations shared "Vision Stories": Big Swatara, Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa.; Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Mount Zion Road Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; and First Church of the Brethren in Reading, Pa. Four new fellowships were welcomed and recognized: New Beginnings, meeting in Brickerville, Pa., and led by Michael Wise of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.; New Creation, worshiping in Reading, Pa., under the direction of David Weiss; Lirio de los Valles, a Hispanic fellowship meeting in Lebanon, Pa., and pastored by Eduardo Rivera; and Maranatha Multicultural, which worships at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren with leadership by Guillermo Encarnacion and Monroe Good.

An offering of $2,432.50 will benefit the following ministries: ten percent to go to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), ten percent to Seeds of Faith, thirty percent to the Mission Church Support Fund, and fifty percent to Foundational Ministries.

Wayne L. Miller and Guy E. Wampler were recognized as 50-year ordained ministers. Wendi Butterfoss, of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., was called as moderator-elect; Donald Fitzkee and John A. Harpold were called to Standing Committee. Larry O'Neill, of Skippack Church of the Brethren, Collegeville, Pa., was installed as moderator for the 2005 conference which will be held Oct. 7-8 at Elizabethtown College.

Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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