Northern Plains District meets 'With Christ, Without Fear.'

Under the theme, "With Christ, Without Fear," the Northern Plains District Conference was held on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa on Aug. 5-7. Tim Peter, pastor of Prairie City Church of the Brethren, served as moderator. Some 180 people were registered for the event, with others joining for worship and activities at various times during the weekend.

Joseph Helfrich was a special guest who provided music and story-telling during worship and in a Saturday evening concert. Helfrich delighted worshipers on Sunday morning by sharing a song he composed during the weekend based on the sermon preached by Peter on Friday evening.

The "worshipful work" business agenda included approving the 2006 district budget, electing district leaders, approving the closure of Prairie Peace Fellowship in Surrey, N.D., and approving locations for the 2006 and 2007 district conferences. Leaders from two new church projects in Sioux City, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minn., were introduced during the business session.

A blood drive service project conducted by the District Witness Commission gathered 38 units of blood. Conference-goers also enjoyed an auction that raised over $3,100 for the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.

Several attendees were recognized. Camp Pine Lake Board president Kirby Leland presented the annual Volunteer of the Year Award to Cletus and Dorothy Miller for their many years of service. Milestones in Ministry awards were given to several ordained ministers during a Friday evening banquet.

The conference concluded with Sunday worship and consecration of new officers and leaders. Diane Mason, a laywoman from Fairview Church of the Brethren, was installed as moderator. Lay speaker Jerry Waterman from Iowa River Church of the Brethren was selected as moderator-elect.

The 2006 Northern Plains District Conference will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1--the Saturday afternoon just prior to the beginning of the 2006 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
top